Page 103 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

“Because,” I continue, taking a deep breath to gather my courage, “he’s smart, caring, and has a wicked sense of humor—just like you. And he’s single.”

“Oakley…” Avery starts, her expression hesitant as she processes my words.

“I know it doesn’t change what happened,” I interrupt, swallowing hard against the lump in my throat. “But I want you to be happy, Avery. You deserve someone who will treat you right, and I truly believe my cousin could be that person.” My heart hammers in my chest, uncertain but hopeful.

Avery stares at me for a long moment, her eyes searching mine as if trying to find some hidden meaning or deception. When she finally speaks, her voice is soft but sincere. “Thank you, Oakley. That…that means a lot.”

“Really?” I ask, daring to hope that maybe, just maybe, this gesture is enough to mend the broken trust between us.

“Really,” she confirms, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. “It’s sweet of you to think of me like that. And I am curious about your cousin, I won’t lie.”

“Great!” I exclaim, a grin lighting up my face. “I’ll tell him to give you a call—” I pause, hesitating, before adding, “If that’s okay with you?”

“Sure,” Avery agrees, her smile growing. “Why not? It’s not every day someone offers to set me up with a doctor.”

“Trust me,” I say, my voice warm and genuine, “you won’t regret it.”

“Look at you two, all friendly again!” Iris exclaims, her hazel eyes shining with happiness. “I take it everything is sorted out?”

“Yep,” I confirm, my heart swelling with relief. “All water under the bridge.”

“Fantastic!” Iris claps her hands together enthusiastically, her red curls bouncing around her shoulders. “Now, let’s lighten the mood, shall we? How about we watch that hockey game together?”

“Sounds perfect,” Avery agrees, her smile genuine as she links her arm with mine. It’s a small gesture, but it means the world to me.

“Great idea, Iris,” I add, my chest feeling lighter than it has in days.

We make our way through the bustling stadium, the energy of the crowd infectious as we find our seats. My mind races with excitement—not only for the game, but for the renewed bond between Avery and me.

“Wow, these seats are amazing!” Avery exclaims as we settle into our spots, close enough to the ice that we can practically feel the chill.

“Only the best for my girls.” Iris winks, pulling out a bag of popcorn from under her seat and offering it to us. “Dig in!”

“Thanks, Iris,” I say, grabbing a handful of popcorn and popping it into my mouth. The buttery taste bursts on my tongue, and I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment settling over me.

As the game begins, I find myself caught up in the thrill of it all—the loud cheers of the crowd, the players skating gracefully across the ice, and the camaraderie shared between my friends and me. I know there will be challenges and obstacles ahead,but in this moment, surrounded by laughter and friendship, I’m reminded of what truly matters.

“Go, Archers!” Iris shouts beside me, her enthusiasm contagious as we all join in the chant, our voices blending together in a symphony of support.

57

GRAY

The deafening cheers of the crowd still echo in my ears as I step into the house, grinning from ear to ear. We just came out victorious in a crucial game, and the thrill of it courses through my veins like an electric current. Oakley promised a surprise for our win, and anticipation buzzes inside me, making it impossible to contain my excitement.

“Hey, Gray!” Reid calls out, his green eyes sparkling with mischief as he lounges on the couch. “Any guesses what Oak’s surprise is gonna be?”

I shrug my shoulders, trying to hide my eagerness. “You know her better than anyone, Reid. It could be anything.”

“True,” Theo chimes in, his piercing blue eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “But knowing Oakley, it’ll be something we won’t forget anytime soon.”

“Like that time she made us all jump off a cliff into the lake?” I chuckle, remembering the sheer terror mixed with exhilaration as we plummeted into the water below.

“Or when she set up that impromptu scavenger hunt throughout the city,” Reid adds, grinning widely at the memory. “That was a blast.”

“Whatever it is,” Theo says, his deep voice laced with certainty, “it’s bound to be memorable.”

My heart races at the thought, knowing they’re right. Oakley has a knack for making even the smallest moments unforgettable. As the seconds tick by, my curiosity grows, filling my chest with a warmth that can only be attributed to the love I feel for her.

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